Obituary of Earl Arthur Kropinske

Earl Arthur Kropinske, third child of George and Ethel Kropinske, was born at the family farm, 3 ½ miles south of Consort, Alberta on October 28th, 1929. While growing up during the “dirty thirties and war years” he participated in all aspects of farm life. He took all of his schooling in Consort, graduating in the spring of 1949. He entered the faculty of education at the University of Alberta that fall. He began his teaching career at Bodo the fall of 1950. On June 29th, 1952, Earl married Ella Forbes. The next morning saw them off to Edmonton for summer school. He returned to Bodo to teach junior high in September but only taught three days due to sickness. His teaching at Bodo ended abruptly. A new chapter in his career began when a position opened at Monitor the end of November and they moved into the teacherage on Main Street. This friendly, cozy town became home. During this time he was blessed with three children, Bill, Sharon and Bob. He loved his chosen profession and taught in Monitor until the school closed in 1966. He then taught in Consort for 2 years before being transferred to Altario. He accepted a transfer back to Consort in the late 70’s and took early retirement at the age of 54, in 1985. Being a life-long educator, learning wasn’t confined to the classroom. During the 50’s and 60’s he curled in Monitor as long as the ice would last and coached school-aged children to curl. He was a big man with many interests. Each year a huge garden was planted, weeded and harvested. Flowers, especially petunias, his favorite, lined the walkway. He looked forward to attending the local town fairs, proudly displaying his grandchildrens’ school work and garden produce and “sampling” the suppers. He was “wild about hunting”. It was in his blood! He loved to vacation and have picnics with his family. Trips were taken across Canada, to Mexico, Yukon, Alaska, North West Territories, England, France, and Scotland. Forbes and Kropinske relatives in the United States were visited. Bible camps at Moose Lake and Veteran were also enjoyed. He liked animals. Even though he lived in town, he raised chickens, goats, pigs, ducks and quail. In later years he “helped” Bob with his farming operation and encouraged Guy with his Highland Cattle. His retirement years offered him the time to substitute teach, teach hunter safety, be a spare bus driver and commissionaire for the RCMP, help with elections, accompany grandchildren on field trips and write short stories. He also worked on his stamp and coin collections, lapidary projects, and guided Darcy and Guy in the art of taxidermy. His desire to preserve history prompted him to assist in the compilation of books to record the history of the schools in the Neutral Hills and the community of Monitor. He was active in the restoration of the Old Consort Hospital as a museum. He took every opportunity to celebrate special occasions with the family. He was always ready for tea and a lengthy philosophical chat. He was ushered into the presence of his dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 6th, 2013 at 5 pm. Earl is survived by his wife of sixty years, Ella Bill (Bev) Kropinske Barb (Trevor) Bitzer, Andria, Miranda and Braden Brad (Cheryl) Kropinske, Davin and Makenna Sharon (Maynard) Wiens Chandra (Michael) Racine, Aliya and Melodie Shawn (Danielle) Wiens, Kylie, Domanik and Ryder Darcy and Dustin Bob (Holly) Kropinske Ty, Guy, Shania and Mark Brothers - Merritt and Wes (Clara) Kropinske Sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Ethel Kropinske; his sister and brother-in –law Leava and Bill Stanton; brother, Alfred Kropinske; sister-in-law, Catherine Kropinske; brothers-in-law Warren Schacher and Raymond Forbes.